Maharaj Magic! SA Crush Aussies in ODI Opener! 🇿🇦🏏🇦🇺

Proteas Dominate Down Under: Maharaj's Five-For Seals Victory!

Keshav Maharaj delivered a stellar performance, bagging a maiden ODI five-wicket haul, as South Africa trounced Australia in the first ODI of their three-match series. The left-arm spinner's exceptional display helped the Proteas secure a commanding 98-run victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Australia, opting to bowl first, saw South Africa post a competitive total of 296/8, thanks to impressive half-centuries from Aiden Markram (82), Matthew Breetzke, and captain Temba Bavuma. Markram felt they could have reached 320, but the score proved more than enough.

Maharaj, eager to secure his place in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad, bamboozled the Australian batsmen with his variations and control. He finished with figures of 5/33, leaving the home side struggling to cope with his left-arm spin. The Aussies were eventually bowled out for a paltry 198 in the 41st over.

The spinner enjoyed bowling second, making an immediate impact by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne with his very first delivery. Labuschagne, hoping to cement his place for the Ashes Test, was undone by a sharp-turning delivery.

"I was just trying to use the conditions, which were a bit sticky with the new ball, and we got rewarded," said Maharaj, reflecting on his match-winning performance.

Apart from Mitchell Marsh, who scored a valiant 88, the Australian batting lineup struggled against Maharaj's exquisite control of length and line. Two of his wickets were lbw, and the remaining three were bowled, highlighting his dominance.

Key Moments:

• Keshav Maharaj's 5/33 - a career-best performance.
• Aiden Markram's solid 82 at the top of the order.
• Australia's batting collapse against spin.

The Proteas will be looking to build on this strong start and secure the series victory in the remaining matches. The Aussies, on the other hand, need to regroup quickly and find a way to counter Maharaj's spin threat.